Machine for compacting track ballast with variable gauge track stabilizer

Abstract

A mobile machine for compacting ballast comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported by undercarriages on the track rails, and a ballast bed stabilizing apparatus vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame. The apparatus comprises a vibrator imparting to the apparatus vibrations extending in a horizontal plane and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, flanged rollers spaced apart in a direction extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and supporting the apparatus on the track rails for movement therealong, each flanged roller being mounted on a stub shaft, and a spreading mechanism mounted between the spaced-apart flanged rollers for changing the distance therebetween. According to the invention, the spreading mechanism comprises a multi-position pressure-fluid operated cylinder drive comprising a first cylinder and a second cylinder spaced from first cylinder in the perpendicularly extending direction, a first double-acting piston rod in the first cylinder, a second double-acting piston rod in the second cylinder, and a pivotal connection linking a respective one of the piston rods to a respective one of the stub shafts.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A mobile machine for compacting ballast of a ballast bed supporting a track consisting of two rails fastened to ties resting on the ballast bed, the track rails having facing gage sides, which comprises (a) a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported by undercarriages on the track rails, and   (b) a ballast bed stabilizing apparatus vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame, the apparatus comprising (1) vibrator means imparting to the apparatus vibrations extending in a horizontal plane and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction,   (2) flanged rollers spaced apart in a direction extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and supporting the apparatus on the track rails for movement therealong, each flanged roller having a single flange for engaging the gage side of a respective one of the track rails and being mounted on a stub shaft,   (3) a housing defining a first bearing for one of the stub shafts and a second bearing for the other one of the stub shafts, the one stub shaft being displaceably mounted in the first bearing and the other stub shaft being fixedly mounted in the second bearing,   (4) a roller clamp cooperating with at least one of the flanged rollers for holding a respective one of the track rails therebetween, and   (5) a spreading mechanism mounted between the spaced-apart flanged rollers for changing the distance therebetween, wherein the spreading mechanism comprises a multi-position pressure-fluid operated cylinder drive comprising a first cylinder and a second cylinder spaced from the first cylinder in the perpendicularly extending direction, a first double-acting piston rod in the first cylinder, a second double-acting piston rod in the second cylinder, and pivotal means linking a respective one of the piston rods to a respective one of the stub shaft.       
     
     
       2. The mobile ballast compacting machine of claim 1, wherein the first and second cylinders are coaxially arranged and combined in a structural unit. 
     
     
       3. The mobile ballast compacting machine of claim 2, wherein the piston rods have different lengths of stroke. 
     
     
       4. The mobile ballast compacting machine of claim 3, wherein the first piston rod has a length of stroke of 15 mm and the second piston rod has a length of stroke of 45 mm.